Is Exhuma, The Korean Hit Film, Worth To Watch?

It’s a fantastic film about exoteric and traditional rituals in an obscure part of Korean folklore. But before you decide whether this film suits you, you must check some things.

Do you like exoteric themes?

This film has plenty of those; it’s all around. If these topics are not to your taste, it’s better to watch something else, but if you like them, you are in the right place.

It’s horrifying, so it accomplishes its goal. It exceeds expectations so much that if you are not in the mood to get really scared and you are looking for a more soft horror film, this one may not be for you.

If you are looking for a big scare, you are in the right place. So, let’s answer the big question.

Is this film worth watching?

Final Verdict: Yes, Absolutely, 8.8 on the worthiness scale if you are looking for a horrifying experience.

Plot

Exhuma follows the horrifying process of excavating an old grave, being this vessel of a powerful curse.

Exhuma follows the horrifying process of excavating an old grave, being this vessel of a powerful curse.
A wealthy family contacts Shaman Hwa-rim and her apprentice Bong-gil to cure his newborn of an obscure disease. The Shaman acknowledges the deceased as a ” Grave Call ” curse from the afterlife.”
The family head gives them the task of relocating that old grave from their ancestor and finishing with the curse.

The grave is located in a far mountain, nearby the border with North Korea. They insist on cremating the remains to break the spell.

The film accomplishes the task of portraying Korean shamanism with detail, showing this unknown practice to the world in an eerie atmosphere that makes the viewer tremble in fear.
Exhuma combines creepy and gory scenes with historical background and traditional themes, making an excellent film that not only gives a good scare but also teaches about Korean folk and culture.

Cast

Choi Min-sik as Kim Sang-deok, feng shui master

Kim Go-eun as Lee Hwa-rim, shaman
Yoo Hae-jin as Yeong-geun, undertaker
Kim Jae-cheol as Park Ji-yong, Hwa-rim’s client

Lee Do-hyun as Yoon Bong-gil, shaman
Kim Sun-young as Oh Gwang-shim, shaman
Kim Ji-an as Park Ja-hye, a junior shaman

Box office performance

Exhuma was released on February 22 of this year.
On its opening day, he finished in first place at the box office of his country with a gross of 2.3 million dollars.
Breaking the score of movies released in 2024 in South Korea at this date.
In its first weekend, Exhuma grossed 14.5 million dollars.

On February 25, four days after the release, the film exceeded 2 million admissions.
Just three days later, it crossed more than 3 million admissions.
On March 10, Exuma was the best-performing Korean occult film of all time, with 8 million viewers.
The film is the highest-grossing South Korean film of 2024. On May 15, Exhuma earned 84 million dollars.

Critics

Rotten Tomatoes has an approval rating of 93% and an average of 7.5 in ratings, an excellent performance for the genre.

“The veteran cast puts in a strong performance to add to the immersive experience”
“Exhuma consists of Jang’s careful efforts to deliver super-realistic, detailed scenes depicting Korean shamanism – such as the traditional process of exhumation and “gut” rituals held to appease wandering spirits”

Lee Yoon-seo The Korea Herald

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